Positive Psychology at Work

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Positive Psychology at Work brings the fields of positive psychology and appreciative inquiry together for the first time to provide leaders and change agents with a powerful new approach to achieving organizational excellence. Draws together positive psychology and appreciative inquiry in the context of leadership organizational challenges for the first time Presents academically rigorous and referenced material in a jargon-free, accessible manner Arranged with chapters focused on specific organizational challenges to allow readers to quickly find ideas relevant to their unique situation Features short contributions from experienced practitioners of positive psychology and Appreciative Inquiry, and includes case studies from the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Positive psychology is a fairly new branch of psychology focusing on ways to enhance human well-being, happiness, and longevity--individually and within organizations. It differs from positive thinking due to psychology's scientific rigor. Based on positive psychology concepts, the best workplaces tend to play to everyone's strengths, encourage positive deviation, build social capital, create conditions for meaningful change, create reward-rich environments, and appreciate what people accomplish. Clinical psychologist/consultant Lewis (associated fellow, British Psychological Society; main author, Appreciative Inquiry for Change Management, 2007) writes a highly readable summary of the field, including current research, case studies, cartoons, key points, stories from personal experience, and suggestions for additional reading. Major topics include developing goals, achieving meaningfulness at work, and communicating and making decisions. The book also discusses leadership, change, sustainable growth, work relationships, and positive transformations. Excellent related books include Shawn Achor's The Happiness Advantage (CH, Mar'11, 48-4166) and Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology and Work, edited by P. Alex Linley, Susan Harrington, and Nicola Garcea (CH, Apr'10, 47-4722). Summing Up: Highly recommended. Business collections serving lower-division undergraduates and above. G. E. Kaupins Boise State University